The Ultimate Creamy Garden Pea and Smoked Ham Salad

The Ultimate Creamy Garden Pea And Smoked Ham Sa

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (450 g) Frozen Petite Peas, thawed and cold
• 6 oz (170 g) Mature Cheddar Cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
• 8 oz (225 g) Smoked Streaky Bacon or Ham Hock, cubed or roughly chopped
• 1/2 large Red Onion (100 g), finely diced
• 2 stalks (50 g) Celery, finely diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) Full-Fat Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) White Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Granulated Sugar or Honey
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)
• Pinch of Paprika (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Sauté the cubed bacon or ham in a dry frying pan over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove the meat using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside 2 tablespoons for garnish once cooled.
• Ensure the frozen peas are completely thawed, preferably by rinsing them under cool water and patting them dry. Dice the red onion and celery very finely. Cube the Cheddar cheese.
• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and homogeneous. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• In the large mixing bowl, gently combine the thawed peas, diced cheese, celery, red onion, and the majority of the cooled bacon/ham. Pour the dressing over the salad base.
• Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated, being careful not to mash the peas. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes (1 hour). Chilling allows the flavors to properly marry.
• Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon/ham, fresh chopped parsley, and a light dusting of paprika.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:430 kcal

Protein:20 g

Fat:36 g

Carbs:12 g

Fiber:3 g

Sodium:500 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Ready for the ULTIMATE Vintage Summer Side?

Why We Need This Pea Salad Recipe Now

Oh my gosh, are you ready for an absolute throwback? Because if you are, then this specific pea salad recipe is about to become your favourite thing.

I’m talking about that slightly retro side dish that just screams summer barbecue and garden parties. Honestly, for years, I totally ignored these vintage summer salad recipes .

I thought they were just bland and watery.

But done right? This is pure culinary magic. This recipe elevates the humble pea into a true crowd-plepleaser. We are making the ultimate version: a stunning creamy pea salad with bacon and cheese .

Trust me, once you taste this combination, you won't look back.

A Quick Chill Hero

This flavour bomb is an absolute throwback to the classics. It reminds me of those amazing Deli style cold salad recipes you find at local village fêtes in the UK.

We’re using sweet, delicate English garden pea salad peas, sharp Cheddar, and salty, smoky bacon.

The best part is the sheer ease of this dish. This is essentially a no-cook salad recipe —you only need 10 minutes to crisp the ham or bacon.

The rest is just chopping and stirring. It’s perfect for the beginner cook looking for a delicious win.

Why This Recipe Wins the Picnic

This quick chilled side salad is one of the easiest easy picnic side dishes you can whip up. Seriously, grab your basket and go.

You only need about 15 minutes of active preparation time. After that, it needs a crucial 60 minutes in the fridge for the flavours to truly marry up.

That chilling time is non-negotiable!

The star is the dressing. Getting the best pea salad dressing recipe right is all about balance. Ours is tangy, slightly sweet, and unbelievably rich, cutting through the saltiness of the Cheddar cheese and bacon pea salad beautifully.

Did you know peas are actually a great source of protein and fibre? It adds a solid nutritional punch that many creamy sides lack.

My Pea Salad Challenge

I remember making a version of this once when I was rushing for a friend’s bonfire night. I skipped the chilling step.

Disaster! The dressing was thin and sad, and the red onion taste was far too sharp. Lesson learned: always let the salad rest! That time allows the onion to mellow and the peas to soak up the glorious smoked ham and pea salad recipe dressing.

If you are looking for a satisfying, comforting, and hearty side, this is it. It’s the perfect companion to grilled chicken or even a simple Sunday roast.

Right then, let’s stop chatting and get down to business. Here is everything you need for the ultimate creamy pea salad with bacon and cheese .

Your Shopping List and Kit Bag: Making the Perfect Pea Salad

Right then, let's talk ingredients for this gorgeous creamy pea salad with bacon and cheese . Honestly, this is one of those vintage summer salad recipes that just screams British summer fête.

When I first tried making a proper deli style cold salad recipe , mine was watery. Disaster! Now I know the secrets.

Getting the right bits makes this quick chilled side salad perfect every single time. It's truly the best pea salad dressing recipe ever.

The Essential Base Ingredients

This is practically a no-cook salad recipe . You just need to measure things precisely. Quality really counts here.

For the star of the show, you need sweet peas. Use 16 oz (450 g) of frozen petite peas. They must be thawed completely first.

My absolute top tip? Pat them dry after thawing! Nobody wants a watery salad messing up the dressing.

We are making a proper Cheddar cheese and bacon pea salad , so let's talk crunch. Grab 8 oz (225 g) of smoked streaky bacon or smoked ham.

Crisp it up beautifully. Use mature Cheddar. Dice 6 oz (170 g) yourself. It tastes so much better than the pre-shredded stuff, trust me.

You also need half a red onion, diced super small, and two celery stalks for that lovely bite.

Seasoning and The Creamy Dream

This is where the magic happens. The dressing needs perfect balance.

Use 1 cup (240 ml) of good, full-fat mayonnaise. Don't scrimp here! Add a splash of tang with 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt.

The key flavour enhancers are simple: a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of sugar. That tiny bit of sugar perfectly balances the salt from the bacon and the sharpness of the vinegar.

Essential spice combinations here are just fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust. If you are leaning into the full smoked ham and pea salad recipe experience, that delicious smoky fat is your main flavour boost, honestly.

Kit Essentials for Your Kitchen

You absolutely do not need fancy gear for this. We are keeping it simple.

You need a good frying pan for crisping the bacon. Use a large mixing bowl for the final assembly. A small bowl is crucial for whisking the dressing separately.

This ensures it's completely smooth before meeting the peas.

The one tool I insist on is a rubber spatula. Why? It lets you gently fold everything together. You never want to mash the peas when assembling this delightful English garden pea salad .

See? Easy peasy! Getting these measurements right is half the battle for a successful pea salad recipe . This is definitely one of the best easy picnic side dishes you can whip up quickly.

Getting Started: Mastering the English Garden Pea Salad

Honestly, who doesn't love a proper side dish that requires almost zero actual cooking? This isn't just any old salad; this is a comforting, crunchy, creamy pea salad with bacon and cheese .

It’s one of those beautiful vintage summer salad recipes that always steals the show at a barbecue. Before we get mixing, let’s talk prep—it makes everything easier, promise.

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic

The foundation for the perfect pea salad recipe is organization. We call this mise en place—everything in its place. Because this is essentially a no-cook salad recipe , the key prep work involves chilling and chopping.

First, your peas: they must be completely thawed and dry. If they’re wet, your beautiful best pea salad dressing recipe will turn into watery sadness.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way at a village fête once. Second, your meat. You need that crispy crunch! Cook your smoked ham and pea salad recipe meat until perfectly brown, then spread it out on a paper towel.

Safety reminder: let that meat cool fully before touching it! Hot bacon will melt your Cheddar cheese and bacon pea salad and destroy your mayonnaise.

Step-by-Step: Assembling the Deli Style Cold Salad Recipes

We’re keeping this super simple. You’ll be eating this quick chilled side salad in no time.

1. Crisp the Crunch: Cook your ham or bacon pieces over medium heat until they are fully crisp. Drain well and allow them to cool completely. This is vital.
2. Whisk the Tang: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar. Taste it! It should be tangy, slightly sweet, and thick. This is the heart of your deli style cold salad recipes .
3. Combine the Dry: Gently mix the thawed peas, diced Cheddar cheese , celery, and finely diced red onion in your largest bowl.
4. Fold it In: Add the majority of the cooled, crispy ham and pour the dressing over the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula and fold gently. Do not mash the peas!
5. The Wait: Cover tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes . This chill time is mandatory. The flavours need to properly marry up.

Pro Tips for Easy Picnic Side Dishes

Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is skipping the chill time. Think of it like letting a sponge absorb water. The peas need time to soak up the richness of the dressing.

Here’s a shortcut I swear by: If you find your English garden pea salad tasting a little too sharp after chilling (maybe the red onion was punchy), add a tiny dash of milk or a pinch more sugar just before serving.

It balances the acidity right out.

If you’re making this ahead of time—which you absolutely should, as it makes one of the best easy picnic side dishes —keep the reserved crispy bacon/ham separate.

Garnish right before serving. This keeps that crucial texture intact. Nobody wants soggy crunch!

Recipe Notes: Making this Classic Shine

Honestly, once you’ve nailed the technique, you can’t go wrong. This is the best pea salad dressing recipe you will ever encounter.

But a few simple tricks turn a decent side into an absolute legend.

Serving Suggestions: Look Sharp!

This quick chilled side salad is totally versatile.

First, presentation matters, you know? Put the salad in a proper glass serving bowl. Pile it up high. Then, use those reserved crispy bits of bacon and the fresh parsley right before you serve it.

That contrast of colour and texture is everything. It makes the dish look fancy, not just like a deli style cold salad recipe .

This works perfectly as one of your easy picnic side dishes . It loves accompanying anything off the BBQ. Think grilled halloumi skewers or proper English sausages.

For drinks? A classic lemonade or a cheeky Pimm’s complements the richness of the dressing beautifully.

Storage and Safety Tips

Because this is a creamy pea salad with bacon and cheese , it must stay cold. Never leave it out on the counter. Mayonnaise does not play nicely with warm weather.

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge. It stays lovely for up to 3 days. My top tip? Store it in the coldest part of your fridge.

If it gets too warm, the dressing can sadly split. I learned this the hard way at a scorching bank holiday party once!

Freezing is a no-go, sadly. The texture of the peas and the dressing just doesn't recover. Trust me on this one.

Easy Adaptations and Swaps

The beauty of this English garden pea salad is how easily you can tweak it.

If you need a vegetarian option, just skip the ham. Replace it with toasted, slivered almonds for crunch. This makes it almost a no-cook salad recipe too.

For a vegan swap, use quality vegan mayonnaise and cashew pieces instead of cheese.

Want a seasonal twist? In the autumn, I sometimes throw in a handful of crumbled walnuts for earthiness. In the spring, adding fresh mint instead of parsley gives it a glorious lift.

That touch of mint feels so fresh!

Nutrition Snapshot

Yes, this is a rich dish. It’s a Cheddar cheese and bacon pea salad , after all! But don't despair.

Peas are surprisingly packed with fibre and plant-based protein. The cheese and bacon provide necessary protein and essential fats. It’s certainly filling, which helps stop you snacking on rubbish later.

It’s definitely a hearty side, so balance it out with a lighter main course.

This glorious vintage summer salad recipe is worth every single mouthful. Enjoy sharing this spectacular pea salad recipe with everyone you love!